Holmes' lawyers accuse prosecutors of interference

By Dan Elliott Associated Press

Posted:
07/29/2013 10:17:19 PM MDT

Updated:
07/29/2013 10:17:46 PM MDT

DENVER -- Lawyers for Colorado theater shooting suspect James Holmes made serious allegations against prosecutors on Monday, accusing them of interfering with the defense investigation and of waiting nearly a year to turn over evidence.

Defense lawyers alleged that prosecutors and law-enforcement officers have told witnesses that if they spoke to the defense team, their words would be manipulated or their meanings twisted.

The defense also implied that prosecutors had urged witnesses not to speak to the defense and asked witnesses to "surreptitiously report back to law enforcement" on any discussions they have with the defense team.

Prosecutors didn't immediately file a response, and a spokeswoman declined to comment, citing a gag order in the case.

Holmes is accused of killing 12 people and injuring 70 at a suburban Denver theater in July 2012. He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to multiple counts of murder and attempted murder.